The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
To wait seems pointless
So entrenched in this game
Drained and exhausted
I was one to blame
Pulling your weight used to be so easy,
Until my bones and muscles had started to shake
We plunged headfirst into this mistake
While your dreams pulled you from conscious state
And now you'd rather stay awake
Cause once you fall its hell to reawake
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
We plunged head first into this mistake
While your dreams pulled you from conscious state
And now you'd rather stay awake
Cause once you fall
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
And now you'd rather
You'd rather stay awake
You'd so much rather
You'd rather stay awake
No you don't have to let this go
For a time to think that you were out of control
But from now I think you are only (x2)
And now you'd rather
You'd rather stay awake
You'd so much rather
You'd rather stay awake
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
So entrenched in this game
Drained and exhausted
I was one to blame
Pulling your weight used to be so easy,
Until my bones and muscles had started to shake
We plunged headfirst into this mistake
While your dreams pulled you from conscious state
And now you'd rather stay awake
Cause once you fall its hell to reawake
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
We plunged head first into this mistake
While your dreams pulled you from conscious state
And now you'd rather stay awake
Cause once you fall
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
And now you'd rather
You'd rather stay awake
You'd so much rather
You'd rather stay awake
No you don't have to let this go
For a time to think that you were out of control
But from now I think you are only (x2)
And now you'd rather
You'd rather stay awake
You'd so much rather
You'd rather stay awake
Searching through you for any
Signs of authenticity,
Testing your wit, measuring your ability
To juggle and then comprehend
This endless stream of sarcasm
I'll soon relieve you
Lyrics submitted by Meefy
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
where did you get this song?